This report is primarily a presentation of seven urban agriculture initiatives that tell stories about how different actors have engaged with or support the practice of growing food in cities. The description of the cases was based on webinar discussions, interviews with the main stakeholders of each case, and study visits. These cases provide the context to show how different actors can engage in urban agriculture and food systems, as well as to discuss their challenges and opportunities and to draw lessons from their practices.
The international exchange of experiences enabled by the different activities implemented in the project and summarised in this report has undoubtedly strengthened the Nordic-Baltic networks. Furthermore, the urban agriculture cases convey stories that can inspire actions towards a competitive green, socially sustainable, and environmentally friendly Nordic (and Baltic) Region assisting to achieving the vision of making the Nordic Region the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030 (Nordic Council of Ministers, 2020).
This report targets a broad and heterogeneous audience, including planners, entrepreneurs, academics, and the general public, who are interested and believe in the potential of urban agriculture to tackle many of the challenges we face today, such as the climate crises. After reading this report, the reader is expected to gain:
A glimpse of the literature on the benefits and drawbacks of growing food in cities.
An understanding of urban agriculture from different perspectives (e.g., municipalities, entrepreneurs, communities, educational institutions).
An overview of opportunities and challenges for implementing agriculture in cities.
Inspiration for alternative urban futures as the stories told in this report carry seeds for change that can assist transitioning our cities to more functional ecosystems.
The report proceeds as follows: Chapter 2 provides a brief overview of the benefits and challenges of growing food in cities and notes some of the policies that recognise the importance of urban agriculture. Chapter 3 consists of seven urban agriculture stories that highlight the voices of different stakeholders and their experiences with urban agriculture. Chapter 4 summarises and discusses the main opportunities and challenges identified in the stories, and Chapter 5 concludes with some reflections about the future of urban agriculture.